Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart & bold.

Girls Celebrating, Childcare, YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County

Click here to download our 2024-2025 Afterschool Program application!

Our Story

Girls Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls challenge societal expectations and prepare them for successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

In 2007, Girls Inc. of CNY merged with the YWCA Syracuse & Onondaga County, Inc. to form Girls Inc. at YWCA. Our program continues to inspire girls to embody the values of being Strong, Smart, and Bold. We offer research-based, compensatory, and intentional programs focused on social-emotional learning, mentorship, and empowering girls to conquer physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. These programs include:

  • Center-Based Programs

  • Outreach Programs

  • Specialized Programs

  • Events

For more information, please reach out to Caitlyn Copfer at 315-424-0040 or ccopfer@ywca-syracuse.org.

Early Childhood Education, Childcare, YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County

Center Based Programs

  • After-School Program: This years program runs Monday-Friday from 2:30pm-5:00pm (or whenever students arrive off the bus)

  • Hoops and Dreams: After-school basketball program that helps girls build a foundation for enjoying sports, adventure and physical activity

  • HER Space: After-school teen program that focuses on leadership development, community action, and academic support

  • This Girl Can: STEM programming for girls ages 9-12

All programs are low cost, in an pro-girls environment located at our main office on 401 Douglas Street, Syracuse, NY 13203.

*Limited space available.

Cooking Lessons, Childcare, YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County

Outreach Programs

Girls Inc. at YWCA provides a diverse range of programming, including academic support, life skills, cooking, and family nutrition, for students enrolled in the SCSD. These programs take place during lunch-time or after-school at the following locations:

  • PSLA at Fowler High School

  • Blodgett Middle School

  • Seymour Dual Language Academy

If you would like us to reach students at a school that is not listed above, please contact Caitlyn Copfer at 315-424-0040 or ccopfer@ywca-syracuse.org.

*Opportunities are available for students in grades K-12.

Happy Girl, Childcare, YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County

Specialized Programs

  • Winter Break STEM Camp: A week of fun and creative STEM activities for girls ages 8-13

  • Camp Discovery: 7–week summer camp offered to girls ages 5-12

  • Teen Summer: 7–week program where girls ages 13+ experience a summer of exploration, building character, and sisterhood

All programs are day programs held during summer and winter breaks at our main office located at 401 Douglas Street. Our summer programs will run from July 8, 2024 — August 23, 2024.

For more information, please reach out to Caitlyn Copfer at 315-424-0040 or ccopfer@ywca-syracuse.org.

People Building Together, Childcare, YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County

Events

  • Expanding Your Horizons: Workshops for girls ages 5-10 that explore fun, interesting careers

  • Girls’ Summit: Hands-on S.T.E.A.M career exploration day featuring a series of workshops, a keynote address, and a women in business panel

  • Crafts & Cookies: Crafts, cookies and connection with the YWCA staff

Through engaging activities and a supportive environment, girls have the opportunity to learn new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence through low-cost Girls Inc. at YWCA events.

For more information, please reach out to Caitlyn Copfer at 315-424-0040 or ccopfer@ywca-syracuse.org.